The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the deadly explosion at a mosque inside Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, was carried out by Boko Haram insurgents.
The attack, which occurred during Maghrib prayers on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, claimed the lives of five worshippers and left at least 35 others injured after a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) inside the mosque.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 25, the Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said preliminary investigations pointed to a Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber as the perpetrator.
“Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) wishes to inform the general public of an explosion incident that occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 December 2025, at a mosque located within Gamboru Market in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, while Muslim faithfuls were observing evening prayers,” the statement read.
According to the Army, the bomber died in the blast alongside two civilians at the scene, while several others sustained injuries of varying degrees.
“Preliminary findings indicated that the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram Terrorist suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the spot,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba said.
He added that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), swiftly responded to the incident.
“Troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police EOD team and other sister security agencies, promptly secured and cordoned off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety,” he stated.
Victims of the blast were evacuated to the General Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical care. The Army disclosed that while 32 civilians were initially injured, two later died at the hospital.
“A total of 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries. Regrettably, two of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition. The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care,” the statement added.
In response to the attack, OPHK said security has been heightened across Maiduguri and its environs, particularly as the yuletide season approaches.
“Troops and other security agencies have since intensified surveillance and security measures within Maiduguri and surrounding areas,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba said, urging residents to remain vigilant.
He also advised members of the public to be alert to suspicious movements, especially in crowded and religious places.
“The public is urged to be on the lookout for teenagers with suspicious looks, avoid crowded places, and maintain extra vigilance at religious centres, especially churches during the yuletide period,” he warned.
The Army extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property.
“Operation HADIN KAI commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures the general public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” the statement concluded.
